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Sports are an integral part of childhood. In addition to the myriad physical benefits, playing sports teaches children teamwork, determination and sportsmanship. But sports can also cause injuries if kids aren't properly prepared.

“You’re going to have injuries in all sports,” says Frederick Mueller, a professor of exercise and sports science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and director of the university’s National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research. “They’re gonna happen. But the important thing is the preventive steps to reduce these injuries.”

Thankfully, most sports injuries aren't serious - 80% consist of bruises, sprains and strains. But things like concussions and heatstroke can be far more dangerous. Read on to for 10 great tips from MSNBC on how to keep your young athlete safe.


1. Schedule a pre-season physical, including cardiovascular exam. Make sure your child is in tip-top shape before they play.

2. Keep them fit during the off season. Engaging your children in activity before the sports season will make sure they stay in shape and have an easier time adjusting to their new sports schedule.

3. Enforce the rules and stress sportsmanship. When a child knows and respects the rules, he or she is less likely to act aggressively and disobey them (which can lead to injury).

4. Get them the right gear. Depending on the sport or activity, your child might need a helmet, shin guards, knee or elbow pads or full protective gear. Proper running shoes or cleats are also imperative.

5. If your child is in pain, don't let him or her play. If your child complains of any aches or pains, especially a headache, take them to the doctor to be evaluated for a fracture or concussion. Playing through pain can be dangerous.

6. Know the symptoms of a concussion. Immediate symptoms of a concussion include being confused, dazed, forgetful or dizzy, having a headache, and experiencing nausea/vomiting and changes in behavior (crying, excessively giddy).

7. Keep them hydrated in the heat. Heatstroke is a real risk - and can be fatal - for football players who practice in heavy gear and for other athletes whose training begins in late summer when temps are high. Scheduling water breaks every 20 minutes is a good idea.

8. Make sure the coach has an emergency plan. Are there medical professionals on site? Does someone know CPR?

9. Know the coach's philosophy (and be sure you agree). A win-at-all-costs attitude can contribute to overuse injuries.

10. Don't put too much pressure on your kids. By driving them too hard, you can either drive them away from the sport all together or contribute to possible overuse injuries. Encourage and support them, but resist the urge to push too much.